Summer School Starts for Elementary Public School Teachers

It’s back to school in July and August for more than 2,000 teachers

TORONTO, June 28 – While many people are enjoying their summer vacation, over 200 Ontario elementary public school teachers will be spending the first week of their summer break in the classroom. They are the first wave of more than 2,000 Ontario teachers who will take part in Summer Academy 2007 over the next two months.

Summer Academy, now in its fifth year, is the professional development program offered in partnership by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), teacher and occasional locals, and many district school boards. ETFO president Emily Noble welcomed the enthusiastic participants. “By spending part of your personal time to expand your professional skills you are confirming your ongoing commitment to deliver quality public education in Ontario,” said Noble.

This is the second year ETFO has received provincial funding for professional development.

“Provincial funding enables us to offer more courses, add a special program for arts educators and specialist teachers, and provide enhanced resources to participants,” Noble added.

“The McGuinty government is pleased to again support this major ETFO professional development initiative. A continuing enhancement of teaching skills is so important in today’s education environment,” said Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Education. “By working together, we are ensuring that student achievement can equal student potential.”

Noble added: “These numerous and varied courses give our members additional skills to help them improve learning outcomes for all students. It underlines that as professional educators, elementary teachers will always choose the professional development skills that meet their individual needs.”

This year is the first time that Ontario elementary public school teachers will be able to take part in a Summer Arts Academy that focuses on music, integrated arts, visual arts, and drama/dance. The Arts Academy, funded by the Ministry of Education, is offered in partnership with the Ontario Arts Council, the Stratford festival, and the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

Following the first wave of teachers attending courses next week, another 1,800 ETFO members will take part in one or more of the following over the next two months:

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All courses are planned and taught by ETFO members.

For complete course descriptions, go to www.etfo.ca, click on ‘Summer Academy 2007’, click on the Summer Academy logo, then click on ‘List Courses’.

For further information: Emily Noble, President, ETFO, (416) 962-3836 (office), (416) 948-1480 (cell); Larry Skory, ETFO Communications, (416) 962-3836 or toll-free at 1-888-838-3836, ext. 2331, (416) 948-0195 (cell), lskory@etfo.org